Benzodiazepines
Paxipam (Halazepam) Information
WHY is this drug prescribed?
Halazepam is used on a short-term basis to relieve anxiety, including anxiety before surgery, and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal.
WHEN should it be used?
Halazepam usually is taken one to four times a day for anxiety. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Do not take Halazepam for anxiety for more than four months without consulting your doctor.
Do not stop taking this drug without consulting your doctor, especially if you have been taking it for a long time. Stopping the drug abruptly can cause increased anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually.
HOW should it be used?
Halazepam comes in capsules and tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
What SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS should I follow while using this drug?
Halazepam can cause drowsiness and decrease alertness and coordination. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Halazepam. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this drug. Because Halazepam can be habit-forming, do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than as directed. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your dose may need to be adjusted occasionally, and you may have blood tests periodically.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Do not take the missed dose when you remember it. Omit it and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What can I do about them?
Drowsiness, muscle incoordination, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, confusion, faintness. If these effects persist for more than a few days, contact your doctor. Talkativeness, restlessness, excitement, trembling, muscle spasms, sleeping problems, nightmares. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.
What OTHER PRECAUTIONS should I follow while using this drug?
Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, think that they may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding should inform their doctors before taking this drug. If you become pregnant while taking Halazepam, contact your doctor immediately. If you have a pregnancy test, tell the laboratory personnel that you are taking Halazepam because the drug can cause false results.
Before you take this drug, tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and non prescription drugs you are taking, including cimetidine, digoxin, disulfiram (Antabuse), levodopa, seizure medication, sleeping pills, prescription pain medication, medication for depression, barbiturates, tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines, and medication for allergies and colds. Do not smoke while taking Halazepam. Smoking can decrease its effectiveness. If you have liver or kidney disease, tell your doctor before you take this drug. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.
What STORAGE CONDITIONS are necessary for this drug?
Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light.
Books Benzo Blues:
Overcoming Anxiety Without Tranquilizers
The benzodiazepine family of drugs includes ativan, azene, centrax, clonopin, dalmane, halcion, librium, paxipam, restoril, serax, valium, xanax, etc. They are among the most routinely prescribed medications in our society, used to treat chronic anxiety in millions of people.
Of the more than 30 million people who take these drugs, more than four million are addicted. Dr. Edward H. Drummond offers hope with a program for overcoming chronic anxiety without the use of tranquilizers.
Benzo Blues: Overcoming Anxiety Without Tranquilizers Consumer's Guide to Psychiatric Drugs
Comprehensive overview of the current medical treatments for anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders. Discusses diagnostic issues, biology of mental illness, drug to drug interactions, and addiction potentials.
For consumers, this lay reference on psychiatric drugs outlines treatment options and tells patients what to expect.
Consumer's Guide to Psychiatric Drugs Prescription Drug Abuse
Abusers discuss their methods and sources and disclose that many of them felt that because they had prescriptions, they were not really drug abusers.
Medical, pharmaceutical, and legal personnel comment on the scope, sources, procedures, and possible solutions of the prescription drug problem.
Prescription Drug Abuse The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs
Informative, accessible, and easy to use, it has become a classic indispensable resource for the layperson and professional alike.
With detailed descriptions of all the psychiatric medications available today, including their uses, side-effects, cost, dosage, and more, consumers can take an active role in their mental health and know what to expect from specific drugs.
The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs
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